Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning is charging a well-known state senator with 2 misdemeanors.
Bruning says over the last two years, Senator Brenda Council of Omaha withdrew more than 60 thousand dollars from campaign funds.
He says she used the money at various slot and table games at several casinos.
Council was also charged with not disclosing the fact she withdrew the money. She says she was just borrowing the money and was going to repay it. Bruning says she has repaid about 36,000 dollars so far.
"She was very contrite, she was very disappointed in herself," says Bruning. "She was willing to work with us and appreciated that we did our best to treat her all possible dignity."
Council is up for re–election to her state senate seat come November against former senator Ernie Chambers.
In a statement she released today Council said, "I am currently receiving professional treatment for a gambling addiction. I take full responsibility for my actions and I will not seek any special privileges. I also will not give up or quit fighting for the issues that are truly important to north Omaha."
The misdemeanors carry a maximum 6 month prison sentence and 1,000 dollar fine. Bruning says he will not seek jail time.
